He observed Laesha as she entered the bath somewhat hesitantly and yet she did not ask; she had taken the decision by herself. She stopped and looked back for a moment but she went in. If either of his companions had looked then they would have seen him smile. The child was coming into her own in more ways than one. Did she even know it?

The young hobbit went in as well to clean himself but Eilathen's eyes moved to the skies to where the eagle flew. The bird was most probably hunting for his meal... And still what beauty to see the world from above; had he not once walked up the eagles' eyries in Gondolin just to have an inkling of what it was to be this free. He remembered the blissful happiness of it; he was young still then but there was no denying the sense of deep serenity and bliss that he felt higher in the mountains than anyone else had gone. Of course there was another discovery then for him that might have as much to do with the happiness as the cool air and freedom to be on his own where only the eagles flew. It brought another smile on his face. What was with him? It seemed the mortal children's happiness was infectious.

Well, in such a fair he might find some of his kin who travelled hidden in plain view either to reach the havens or to roam the world for as long as its people would remember them. What would happen then? Would they dwindle to become a small people of the forests hiding from view and visible only in the light of the stars whom they loved best? Maybe... but not this day. This day there was joy and dance and food; and he knew how to enjoy a fair as any child of Illuvatar even though he had not indulged since a wedding and festival of happiness about a century before.

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?But because I knew youI have been changed for good.

It's funny how some distanceMakes everything seem smallAnd the fears that once controlled meCan't get to me at allIt's time to see what I can doTo test the limits and break throughNo right, no wrong, no rules for meI'm free

"Hardly," Aramir looked down on the young lady, eyes stern. "Why did you tell that stinky bath place and the bacon vendor that I would pay for your new dress and...and...." He sputtered indicating her beautiful deep blue dress with stabbing fingers.

Fionavar tried to look a bit guilty, but didn't succeed - she was feeling too good at this point to care. "Don't you try and ruin this fun time for me Aramir. I don't know how we...erm you will pay for this, but my dress feels great and I loved singing and dancing. In fact," she snapped her finger under his nose "I plan on doing more of it, what do you think of that?" Aramir stared blankly at her, he had never seen this sort of behaviour from Fionavar.

Before he could formulate a reply, the tent flap was raised...then Geli slid in, strutted between them and lightly leaped upon a crate. "What is all this fuss? Aramir, you can be heard half a block away." Geli smiled, showing magnificent dimples to the young man. "If it is money you need, money we can get or did you forget that singing at a fair is worth a few coins?"

"A few coins?" Fionavars mind went reeling..."I could sing all night." She smiled secretively at the pair, that is when she noticed that Geli had braided her hair into an interesting series of rows and turnings, no more bells adorned her person.

"And," Geli added further hopping down between the pair, "there are other talents that folk will toss a coin for......" she trailed off mysteriously towards Aramir...her glorious eyes darkening.

Aramir started in on his rebuttal and Fionavar used that distraction to scoot from the tent. She hadn't got three steps when the colorful man who invited her to sing stepped in front of her. "Hello miss, where are you off to so fast? You didn't stay around long enough to collect your prize." He held two silver coins in his hand and made to give them over to her.

"For me? For that old song?" Fionavar slightly protested, but snatched up the coins as if they would disappear any second. "Thank you, I might see you for another song later if that is alright?" She arched her eyebrows hopefully.

"Indeed. Be sure to try the bubbly pies and don't spend all that money on the specialty rides either," the man sounded just like her father and Fionavar nodded quickly that she understood.

"Thank you again, excuse me please," she smiled kindly and went in search of Laesha. Backtracking the way she had come she spotted her....Laesha was just exiting the bed and bath stalls. Skipping up to the young girl she proudly produced the money.

"Wherever did you get that FIona?" Laesha's eyes rounded in amazement.

"I earned it and we are going to spend it, come with me," Fionavar grabbed her by the hand and led her deeper into the festival. The first familiar thing they noticed was a wine stall and Kitty firmly planted there. She threw a salute and headed forward. Around another corner they heard music and it led them to a ride, neither of the girls had ever been on a ride in their lives. Fionavar could see the sign at the ride, this was a carrousel, circling round and round with brightly painted ponies that went up and down. Horses on the opposite side were also circling a rigging that she assumed caused the ride to work. Looking excitedly at Laesha, "Do you want to give it a go?"

Laesha was full of trepidation, "I don't know about that Fionavar...those horses could break free at any moment and we could..."

"Come ON..." Fionavar half dragged her friend up to the stall. The money was exchanged for tickets and there was change back...four copper coins. When the ride stopped and people got off and they were motioned to get on. Fionavar chose a white pony with a golden mane and tail. There were ribbons of all colors streaming from the reins. Laesha carefully mounted a silver pony with ebony mane and tail. She had no longer got situated than the contraption began moving in a circle and slowly the ponies extended upwards and forward. In no time, the girls were laughing, having fun.

The ride was over all too soon and Fionavar contemplated having another go, but a sweet smell assaulted her nose. Directly across from the ride was a stall labeled "Bubbly Pies". Again grabbing Laesha by the arm, "I was told to get some of these pies, they smell delicious and I am hungry." The pair arrived to find out from the leathery old woman at the front that there were no pies at the moment but if they could wait, fresh - hot - bubbling pies would be ready. The woman showed a kind smile to the two and Fionavar promised to wait.

"Thank you, yours is beautiful too. Isn't it wonderful to be here and feeling free to enjoy this fair? I have never seen the likes of it, have you?" Fionavar beamed!

"No and I do love it all. The lights, the people, the aromas and the music. But I think we should show some caution, Fiona. These people are strangers." Laesha looked around under her eyelashes.

"Fiddle dee dee," Fionavar wouldn't let anyone or anything spoil this night, "we are going to have a good time and somewhere there is Eilathen, Robin, Aramir and Gwaeryn too...all of them, they wouldn't let anything bad happen to us. Come on, please...." Fionavar pouted and batted her eyelashes. "I hear the call for the pies, let's go."

Four coppers were traded for and four bubbling purple tarts in soft crusts were presented to the girls. When Fionavar took a huge first bite, the pie stuck to the roof of her mouth and juices dribbled down her chin. She rapidly drew breath in and out to cool down her burning mouth. She didn't care, they were just as delicious as promised and the first one was gone before Laesha had barely tasted hers. "Eat up, I bet they are at their best when bubbly hot." Saying that, she downed the second pie. A commotion had started in the center of the festival, people were circling around to see something. Curiosity got the better of them and nodding in agreement, they moved to get a good view of a new wonder.

Last edited by ~Fionavar~ on Fri Jan 25, 2013 8:37 am, edited 1 time in total.

Geli's shriek made the bath girl jump. The vial of aromatic oil slipped out of her fingers and the jester rescued it in a dramatic dive.

"Let me smell it," she demanded from the rug, pulling out the cork. "I knew it! Floral! My dear girl, in some trades it may be all right to come out smelling of violets, but I need something less wimpy. What else have you got? Lavender, pfft. Honeysuckle, bleh. Patchouli? Hmm. Not bad, but too sultry. Ah! Jasmine! Just the thing. Wakes you right up, not that I am ever less than perfectly alert. Pour it in with a bold hand, miss. It's a bath I want, not a warm puddle. If you can see water for the bubbles, you are doing it wrong."

Soon the bubbles piled up to Geli's satisfaction. She submerged, gurgling and splashing, then sat up and pulled her foot to her nose to rub at the toughened skin on her heel.

When the water turned chilly and Geli's fingers became grooved with water wrinkles, she dragged herself out of the tub. The attendant helped her to dry and oil her curls and braided them into neat cornrows, which converged in two fuzzy buns. Geli insisted on braiding small bells inside each bun - an innovation she lived to regret as the jingling soon gave her a headache.

The jester left her green and red motley to be laundered, and stepped out resplendent in her best costume, black and red, embroidered with gold thread and sparkling with glass beads. The fair spread out at her feet, metaphorically.

Two facts occurred to Geli - the stalls were filled with magnificent and wondrous goods, and she still had the gold coins the brigand chief gave her. The third fact was that poor defenseless orphan girls would be wise not to flash gold at the fair. Some narrowminded person might accuse her of stealing. It would be best to find a trustworthy male to stand in as her sponsor. The hobbit, for instance, looked very respectable, and of course he came with aerial support. Or the Elf, no one would ever doubt an Elf.

Or... Geli's eyes fell on Aramir, who stood with Fiona, looking like a perplexed storm cloud. She had certain doubts of his trustworthiness, but on the other hand he knew she would make his life not worth living if he crossed her. So it was all right.

Geli bounced over to the arguing couple. As it turned out, she was just in time to dispense some wisdom to the girl. No, by her bells, a real prophecy, for no sooner did Fiona left them than a man hurried over to hand her - actually hand her - silver coins.

"How about that?" Geli whistled. "I wonder what she did to earn them." She didn't wait for a reply, surmising that Aramir probably didn't know either. "So you bought her a dress? Very kind of you. Come along with me, will you? I need you to buy a few things for me, too."

The boy spun about for a moment taking in the smells, the lights, and the music and the crowds. The hawking was familiar and didn't faze him; he gave a simple market-known hand sign that he had nothing to buy anything with and the vendors didn't bother with him. He was left to enjoy just being among the throng of people and only had to worry about losing his party. At least the eagle would be able to see them all from air and that was comforting. As everyone started wandering off in different directions, Seldo was left wondering where he should start. He walked past the washing tent just as one of the girls was dumping some old water out. She was younger than him by half but he saw her giggle, hold her nose, and retreat back into the tent and he wondered what was wrong. Okay he was a little dusty but none of the clothes the hostler had given him were torn or worn yet. He'd never worn anything this fine before. He shrugged it off and was starting to walk away again when a small, sharp pain in his neck caused him to yelp. He spun about looking for the pebble thrower only to see the curtain waving again as his assailant retreated to the safety of her older guardians. She left behind a full bucket, a small cake of soap and a clean rag about two feet from the tent wall. Mystified, Seldo approached cautiously but she did not reappear. The water was warm and he gave his face a happy splash of it before he made quick work of giving his face, hands and arms a good scrub. He remembered Aramir's warning to Robin about coming out smelling of flowers but he didn't really mind the soap smelling of bluebells and grass. Rinsing, he looked up and found a pair of green eyes crowned with curly red hair staring at him, her mouth hidden by the curtain she was hiding behind. He smiled, grateful, but before he could say a word she giggled and squealed and disappeared again. It was really rather frustrating."Don't you girls ever speak to anyone?" he called but there was no answer and for the moment he was glad he'd never had sisters if this is what they were like.He left the bucket and things where they sat and started to follow Robin towards the food vendors.The hum of the crowd soon drew his attention, however, and Seldo soon found himself side-stepping and ducking to see what was going on. Being quite smaller than most was little help but eventually he got pretty close. Looking at the crowd about him though, Seldo first found a very different pair of wonders standing nearby."Fiona! Laesha!"He wasn't sure what else to say, now so struck and he wasn't sure why. Of course they were both beautiful all dressed up. But Laesha seemed... braver tonight. He didn't see her guardian about when before it seemed like they were never apart. And courage suited her. He managed one coherent sentence, "Can you see what's going on?"

“I most certainly did not buy her a dress!” Aramir protested as Geli attempted to drive him from the tent and towards the nearest merchant. “And if she thinks she can go around the fair spending money we don’t have, she’s going to get herself into serious trouble.” He glanced in the direction Fiona had gone. “Or else sing herself hoarse trying to pay for that dress.”

Geli grinned up at him, a strange jingling emanating from her head as though she’d started sprouting bells rather than hair. “I think you mean she’s going to get you into serious trouble, or have you forgotten she’s naming you her guarantor? Will you sing for her dress?”

“Only if you all want to go deaf,” Aramir growled, considering as he did so that if someone had told him, a month ago, that he was going to be “the responsible one” in a group of mismatched travellers on their way to Gondor, he would have split his sides laughing, then tried to wake up from whatever mad dream he must be having. Where was Eilathen when you needed him? With any luck, not off soaking up floral scents with the others.

He turned back to the jester who was watching him closely, obviously amused. “Well, either way, there’ll be trouble. And I’m not buying you anything, either,” he added sternly.

“Oh, pah!” She darted behind him, placed her hands firmly against his back, and pushed; he stumbled awkwardly from the tent like a drunk whose supply has run low, and moments later Geli appeared at his side, still accompanied by the unidentifiable head-jingles. She produced a small sac and waved it merrily in his face as he straightened up and pretended he’d meant to fall out of a tent into the middle of a crowded aisle. “I’ve plenty of coins to spend, just no one to watch me spend them, you might say.”

Aramir arched an eyebrow as three brightly-dressed women breezed past them, laughing loudly, and vanished around the corner. No one seemed to even notice himself and Geli standing there at an impasse, and yet he felt as though they were being watched somehow, like the world was waiting to see if he would agree to escort Geli on her shopping adventure. Surely the world had better things to do?

“You want me to watch you shop?” he repeated, nonplussed. His hand strayed to the hilt of his newly-sharpened sword and he wished for a moment that he had never left the blacksmith's forge.

She grinned. “Are you worried someone will see you at so unmanly a task? Fiona’s off on her own spree, Laesha’s still at the bath house, as is Robin... I can’t say where the others have got to, I’m afraid, but I promise I won’t tell anyone!” She drew a solemn cross upon her embroidered chest. “And if they see us-”

“-we can say you were buying me a shirt, yes, I know where this is going,” Aramir finished wryly.

“I think not!” Geli protested, her eyes as huge as the pastries on display just across from their spot at the abandoned tent. “Aramir the Undressed has no need for such frivolous accoutrements!”

“I would protest that Geli the Magnificent could not possibly increase that magnificence with anything she might buy here, either, but I can see I’m fighting a losing battle.” He signed and held out his hand, and to his surprise, the jester dropped the sack of coins into his palm.

She wondered for just a moment whether it was her mind playing tricks or Fiona really was more bubbly and happy than she had been since her friend left. "Eat up, I bet they are at their best when bubbly hot."

No the young woman was really happy for now. And maybe it was a good thing; Laesha smiled and ate the pie slowly. Oh it was really good. She stuffed the rest of the pie into her mouth and the second one with as much enthusiasm as Fiona and laughed all the while. It felt good to have fun with someone who was close to her in age. And Fiona was really easy to be comfortable with.She was finishing her pies and laughing brightly with Fiona at the excitement around them when one of their group called out to them. Seldo was his name if she recalled. For just a second there, she was a little ashamed; she had remained apart from most of the group... that was unbecoming and not the purpose of the adventure. Eilathen had been a nice protection against the world but he was not the only person she was supposed to meet. Her grandma would not have organized this trip for her to only meet the one elf and not talk to anyone else. Well since it was a fair and fairs were meant to be places of fun and new encounters, she might as well make use of it to know more about those whom she travelled with.

"Can you see what's going on?" Seldo asked. He seemed to be just as shy as she thought she was around that group. But no more."I can't... yet." She said with a bright smile. "Why not get closer?"She grabbed Fiona's hand in one of hers and Seldo's in the other and pulled them towards the centre. People seemed to move about them as if theirs was the movement of the wind against the leaves of trees. But really it was probably just because they were moving at a brisk pace and the three of them holding hands did not leave much choice to the people who stood by. Within a few moments they had reached the centre of the circle and were perfectly placed to see what was going on. And that was well worth it; Laesha's eyes opened wide at what she saw.

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?But because I knew youI have been changed for good.

It's funny how some distanceMakes everything seem smallAnd the fears that once controlled meCan't get to me at allIt's time to see what I can doTo test the limits and break throughNo right, no wrong, no rules for meI'm free

Gwaeryn was circling up in the air, watching and waiting, waiting for something. He cast his far-seeing eyes on the road ahead, to the Gap of Rohan and Isengard, with Orthanc in the midst, sheltered under the trees of Fangorn. Turning back, he felt something. A longing, a familiar one. He alone knew the joy of soaring up in the skies, the great freedom. Even his rider the hobbit Robin only had an inkling of it.

He felt a bond with the elf below, a longing, for the freedom. The Last Eagle knew that one day, they would make the long journey together, and know it intimately. But, it was something else than the longing for his long home in Taniquetil that disturbed him. It drew him downwards, as he circled ever downwards to the elf who was looking upwards.

There was a gust of wind as he landed in the midst of the festival, and most scattered to make way for the Great Eagle, all but one.

Gwaeryn, also called Sorontel, bobbed his head to Eilathen. "Mae goevannen, my friend. I offer you the skies. Not the Long Journey yet, the one we will make together one day," with that, he cast a longing look Westward, "but a shorter one. Come, mount me if you will, and let us soar."

The man was wandering aimlessly in the fair. A thing most common in such events. Black boots, a green shirt and cloak covered, what appeared to be an athletic figure. A huge scabbard hung from his side, from which shined a blade from the edges. A black bow lay across his waist. The face was partially covered by the green hood, but his black eyes still gleamed as he beheld the various wonders abiding there.

His name was Sidhlarion, a half-elf from Mirkwood. But he was called Lari by those he knew.

He stopped by one of the shops, a bakery. He was hungry and looked on at the cakes and pies and breads and all the delicacies which lay decorating the shop. The owner, a bald man with a huge body and brown teeth looked at him for a few moments.

“May I help, mister?”Lari looked up at the man. After a few silent moments he bowed his head and nodded sideways. He had no money. But he was in need of it.He continued "sightseeing" and was wandering how he would earn two pennies for the peptones he needed, when he came across a huge signboard.

" 51st ANNUAL ARCHERY CONTEST

INTERESTED FOLKS ARE REQUESTED TO REGISTER THEIR NAMES IN THE TENT.GRAND PRIZE OF A 100 GOLD COINS FOR THE WINNER."

Lari’s eyes narrowed down. A faint smiled appeared on his lips which soon turned into a grin. Here was something at last, where he could do something.He went straight into the mentioned tent, and within an hour the contest begun. There were five other archers besides Lari, three of which looked like the locals. But he did recognise the Gondorian bows of the other two.

Behind the tent, there was a small open space on which were fixed five wooden poles. And on each of these poles were placed wooden birds of the finest make. The archers stood there, about eighty Yards from the poles. Their aim was to shoot the eye of the bird. The person closest to the target shall win the prize.

Lari was still grinning. This was indeed nothing compared to the training he had in his homeland. At the signal, all the six archers took their positions and took aim.“FIRE!” Croaked one of the stout men there.At once, all of the six arrows headed for the motionless birds. The stout man went closer and inspected each of the birds and with an astonished look announced,“We have a tie!” For two arrows had pierced right through the eye of two birds.Lari's eyes widened. He didn't acknowledge anybody could match his skills. The other man was one of the two Gondorians.

Lari was back in the fair. Disappointed as he was, for the prize money was divided by half and shared. 50 coins were not enough for travelling even half the way to Minas Tirith. But his spirits had died further down because of the tie. In general, Lari was a gentle person. But if ever he had anything bad about his nature, it was his pride in his skills of archery and the blade. His head down, he entered one of the bars and bought himself a pint of ale.Yes, he wanted some cheer. And being unknown to every soul in this fair and in this town, he was the only one who could cheer himself up. He sniffed the alcohol first, and then took a small sip from the mug. It was very refreshing! He soon finished all of the ale hungrily and went back to the streets.

He was thinking of buying something for Haefa, his horse whom he had left in one of the stables in the town, when he saw a commotion at the centre of the fair. He headed for the spot, curious.

Eilathen meandered in the fair for a while. There was carefree insouciance to it that he had not seen in mortals for long. Well the children he rode with had that too in a sense. And though he thought it was the frivolity of youth he still could see there was beauty in it. He was not a creature of change; after millennia in Middle Earth he had not expected such a short journey could alter his perception of the world. He smiled to himself: maybe the peredhel knew more than he how mortal men or women could change someone as old as he was. Was she not born of such love? In fact, he should not be surprised in a way: he witnessed the transformation in Lady Arwen as she fell in love with an Edain. He was a king among them but he still would die.

Slowly, quietly he wove his way between the stands and tents flapping gently in the breeze. The fabrics seemed to wrap themselves around people as the walked past as veils of the South before pulling away in an unending dance. He reached a stand that was not as crowded as the others but by luck, the Hobbit Robin was sitting there eating as only a Halfling could eat. He sat opposite Robin who at first did not acknowledge him. There was a promise lying between them. He would find a smithy in this fair for sure, maybe one of good enough quality that he could sharpen the sword without damaging it. There was however no way for him to distract the hobbit from his meal so he indicated to the hobbit he would meet him later to take care of the sword. The Halfling barely indicated he had heard. There was no disturbing a Hobbit’s meal. And there was this pull… He looked up. He was making his way back to the edge of the festival when the eagle landed in the middle of the crowd, which scattered afraid as if the creature was as dangerous as a dragon. Well he was, but not to be feared as the drakes of old.

"Mae goevannen, my friend. I offer you the skies. Not the Long Journey yet, the one we will make together one day but a shorter one. Come, mount me if you will, and let us soar."

Eilathen pushed his hand softly into the feathers of the beautiful creature towering over him. The offer was extremely tempting; he once dreamed of being able to do just that.But he too was of the First Born and unlike Gwaeryn he had seen the Trees in Vinyamar; and he had the sight of his kin. As he looked into the eyes of the eagle he saw the truth of what his mother once told him when he was but a child walking the gardens of Lorien and he watched the eagles circle the great mountain. There was only one voyage that was respectful of the eagle in front of him. There was no frivolity in the meaning of riding an eagle for the elf. He knew. And so he wrenched his hands away from the beautiful messenger of Manwë, the last one of them in this world.

“It is an honour Lord Sorontel. I would agree to such an offer, and my heart would soar for the sheer joy of it. But I know in my heart of heart that the day we ride together will be our last journey. The one that brings both of us home to Taniquetil and beyond.”

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?But because I knew youI have been changed for good.

It's funny how some distanceMakes everything seem smallAnd the fears that once controlled meCan't get to me at allIt's time to see what I can doTo test the limits and break throughNo right, no wrong, no rules for meI'm free

Gwaeryn was silent for a moment.Then he nodded his head. "I understand, my friend, and I don't make friends lightly. It will be that journey alone that we shall make." He looked off to the west again, as if his far-seeing eyes were straining for a sign of the great mountain, the only one which would welcome him now. "Indeed, the call to head West if you were on me would be too great for me to resist. The longing is in us both, but not yet."

He was about to lift up, but saw Robin approaching. "So have you finished stuffing yourself?" he said to the hobbit. "I have never seen anybody gorge themselves like you do, not the mightiest heroes."

"We take a lot to be filled." said Robin, laughing. Turning to Eilathen, he said "Forgive me for being rude, but among us, when presented with a feast, we let nothing distract ourselves from business. I think it is about the sword, isn't it?" he said, pulling out Claw and looking at it again. Gwaeryn was thinking back to the bearer of its twin, he had been along, though young, to the battle where the little hobbit, who looked like a rabbit, was hanging on for dear life on the legs of a dwarf, then pinched so hard when borne away to the Carrock.

When Fionavar caught sight of Seldo, she grabbed him by the arm and pulled him closer to the center of the fair. Laesha held one hand and Seldo the other, each craning necks to get a glimpse of what all the fuss was about.

"Seldo," Fionavar smiled at the boy, "I swear you have grown a foot since I last saw you. You are almost as tall as I am now." She put an open hand to her head and measured to Seldo's fuzzy hair. "See? You must tell us where you wandered off to when there is time." Seldo seemed as shy as ever, but she would have the story from him one way or the other. The girl noticed that archers had filled in the space directly across from where they were standing, also ogling the center of the fair.

"We missed the archery competition," she remarked to Laesha. "I was hoping to watch that, we used to have excellent archers back in my home town." Her thoughts drifted for a few moments to home when a loud cheering arose. On her tip toes, she saw that fire breathers had entered in to entertain the crowd. She had never seen the like. One was blowing long shoots of flame in all directions, making the girls squeal. Another had fire twirling on the end of long ropes, around and about his body. Yet another appeared to be juggling spheres made of fire. The trio stood transfixed, eyes wide and mouths opened.

From behind she heard Geli remark, "That old trick again. It seems to entertain quite well though." Fionavar twisted about to see that both Geli and Aramir had on new embroidered tunics, even Aramir looked tidy for the first time that Fionavar could remember.

"Ah, Master Aramir," she bowed deeply, "and the lady Geli."

"I am no one's master, so you can stop with the bowing and I haven't forgotten that you have me in a pretty mess ordering here and there about the fair as if I were made of money." Aramir looked disgusted.

Geli pat him on the head. "Not to worry, there is always an easy coin to be made at a fair."

"That reminds me," Fionavar spoke up again and held the money she had made up in front of the pair. "I got these for singing earlier. Will that cover our expenses?"

Geli closed her hand around the money and glanced about the crowd. The only one she saw looking at them was an archer in a green hood and cloak. "You might want to be a bit more discrete, Fiona," her voice was lowered.

"I might and then again, maybe I should find a way to spend it all quickly, never a worry for bad omens then." She grabbed Laesha's hand up again with Seldo trailing along and skipped away from the fire dancers. "They are such spoil sports. It has been a wonderful evening and I won't allow even them to get me......."

From a tent they were passing, strong arms reached out and covering the mouths of Laesha and Fionavar, pulled them into a darkened tent.

Seldo stopped in his tracks and then putting feet to dirt headed for help. "Geli and Aramir, they will know what to do."

Fionavar was certainly surprised when a lantern was uncovered and the two captors were only the toothless bubbly pie woman and her burly baker. Questions seemed to swirl invisibly about the tent.

"Y'er were been follered, ,yer were." The woman nodded and he baker agreed.

"Followed?" Laesha craned her head around to the opening of the tent.

"I certainly didn't see anyone following us," Fionavar also looked cautiously at the flap just as two pair of thick legs passed the opening. Swallowing hard, she managed a grateful bow. "Thank you, I guess. Do I smell bubbly pies?"

A thudding noise and two people falling into the tent put the foursome on guard again. When the dust cleared, it was Seldo and someone whom Fionavar had never seen before, a young man in a green hood and cloak. Everyone stared at each other for a moment and Seldo broke the silence.

"I looked for Geli and Aramir but couldn't find them. This man," he indicated the newcomer, "offered assistance, said he saw you being pulled into the tent."

Fionavar and Laesha looked at the person with interest. "Lari, at your service." He bowed low to the ladies.

"Thank you, Lari but it appears that all is well and right. My friend and I were just about to get some bubbly pies and then rejoin the rest of our troop. Would you care for one?"

"Troop?" asked Lari taking one of the offered pies.

"Yes, we are headed to Gondor for the anniversary of the King. Have you heard of it?" Seldo offered.

"I have." Lari kept himself busy finishing off his pie.

Fionavar paid for the pies and the small group cautiously left the tent. "Seldo, why don't you round up Geli and Aramir. Robin and Kitty couldn't be too hard to find either. I think it is time for us to gather and head back to the road." Fionavar looked again at Lari. "Are you coming?"

After the thrilling fire-show, the girth of the crowd slowly waned and Lari decided to go back and fetch Haefaniel.Hurriedly he crossed the center square, past the various food-stalls and arrived at a relatively less crowded spot. There were many tents all around, with all kinds of business. There was a tent for puppet-theaters, and one with the signboard 'FORTUNE TELLER ANISHA. 10 Shillings per sitting', and another one selling bubbly-pies. As he walked he realized the place was very poorly lit. At least compared to the main hubbub of the fair. And the lesser the crowd, the more pleased he was becoming in face and mind. The area was queerly silent, and nothing seemed to move around. Lari, now humming pleasantly suddenly stopped and lied down on the soft grass and closed his eyes.Suddenly he heard leaves rustling near to him, disturbing the quiet. He opened his eyes and saw a few shadows walking silently amidst the tents. Perhaps the instincts of the woodsman in him got awoken as he decided to follow them out of curiosity.As stealthily as a nocturnal beast he got up, and picking up his bow from the ground started to follow them.

Oh I wish they're some petty thieves or vagabonds! Or robbers? Perhaps not. Oi, they'd even reward me when I catch them, if they are!!!

But all his hopes were dashed as he saw two young ladies and a boy instead of what he would have liked to think. But he did recognize one of them. The girl who held out her money at the fire-shows.

Upset with himself and irritated as he was, he turned back quietly. But suddenly he heard a muffled cry. He looked back and saw that all of them had vanished! Surprised, he ran over to the spot he last saw them. The grass was plain and continuous but at one spot not far, they were bent and ruffled. Signs of a struggle. He guessed that they were forcefully taken inside one of the tents.But he was by character, weak in his will and his choices. Very soon, his confidence wavered.

Or perhaps they just went into one of the tents and one of them fell on the grass, which got damaged.

Was his second guess which seemed far too probable to him than the first. In any case, he was tired and was dying to see Haefa again. So he picked up on his route and was going forth when a boy came running and bumped into him.

"Keep your eyes on the road!" He tried to say not too rudely.

But the boy was panting incessantly. "Hey mister, my friends ... (pant) ... two girls. Got kidnapped! I looked for Geli and Aramir but they're not to be found! .."And he went on rambling quite a deal, till Lari stopped him. For he finally knew that he had seen the same two girls and that his primary guess was not far from true. And his mind was made up. A warrior he was, those who do not flee.

"I know where they are. I've seen them ... and I thought you too were taken?""Um, I ran off to call for help. Aramir and .."

Lari ran towards the tents, with Seldo hastily following him. Wood-elves were expert trackers. Lari didn't take too much time to find out the right tent. The one selling pies. Theier eyes met and Lari, with his sword drawn, charged into the tent and fell inside.And yet again to his disappointment, Lari found that their was no threat at all. At least not from the old man and his lady. After the confusion cleared Seldo explained everything and introduced Lari to Fionavar and Laesha.Lari suddenly became stiff. Shyly he bowed before the two ladies. "Sidhlarion Valenar, at your service." "Thank you but it appears that all is well and right. My friend and I were just about to get some bubbly pies and then rejoin the rest of our troop. Would you care for one?"

"Troop?" asked Lari taking one of the offered pies.

"Yes, we are headed to Gondor for the anniversary of the King. Have you heard of it?" Seldo offered.

"I have." Lari kept himself busy finishing off his pie.

Fionavar paid for the pies and the small group cautiously left the tent. "Seldo, why don't you round up Geli and Aramir. Robin and Kitty couldn't be too hard to find either. I think it is time for us to gather and head back to the road." Fionavar looked again at Lari. "Are you coming?"

"Um, ah... n.. yes, I guess. Yes I would like to come if I am not too much of a burden." Lari was fidgeting.

"Of course not. Come along with us!"

"With you to the fair or to Minas Tirith?" was a meek confused question.

They both giggled. "Whichever you want!" The two girls went out of the tent, laughing . And Seldo followed after giving a grin towards Lari, who remained where he was. Confused in his thoughts. But a few moments later he too headed out. To follow them.

Last edited by siddharth on Wed May 22, 2013 2:59 am, edited 1 time in total.

"Seldo, why don't you round up Geli and Aramir. Robin and Kitty couldn't be too hard to find either. I think it is time for us to gather and head back to the road."

The boy nodded, looking from Sidhlarion, to the pie makers, Fiona and Laesha and around again. Catching eyes with Laesha once, he shrugged as they left the tent. If their party got any bigger they'd be able to put on a fair to fill the field in front of the city of Minas Tirith all on their own.His breathing and heart still weren't calm outside the tent and his mind raced a little considering the actions of the pie makers. It seemed to have been a misunderstanding but he had frozen- and then gone to get help for sure- but he still felt like he hadn't done everything right. Aren't men supposed to see this coming and draw swords and charge in to defend their folk when things like this happen? But he didn't know much more than how to escape a head lock and a ducking in the water though. Would the men laugh at a sudden interest in defense and words you never hear anymore outside the tales of knights and kings? Wanting to laugh again and not worry as he searched for the others though, he waited until Laesha wasn't looking... and tapped her shoulder as he broke into a run. Looking back once he grinned- the challenge was made. If she followed he wouldn't run far enough ahead to lose sight of her- that was exactly the opposite of what he wanted after what just happened. He was pretty sure she wouldn't outrun him and find Geli and Aramir first though.

"Aramir! Geli!" he shouted as he went, racing back to where the fire dancers had performed.

"Uumph!" Glancing backward as he was running forward was too much all at once as he crashed into the back of someone. They both went down, Seldo rolling off to the side, red to the ears, as he sat up and looked about to make apologies. He just couldn't seem to keep his feet on the ground today. There was Geli standing close by and... oops!

It had all been so exciting: the fire show, one like Laesha had never seen before, the pies even the little encounter with danger. It was not even danger as she was with friends... thrilling really. So when Seldo tapped on her shoulder and started running it was just another game, a gripping chase to see which one would find Geli and Aramir first. Laesha did not hesitate... Fiona was with the hooded man, Sidhlarion - an elf for sure with a name so - and so she did not really need her. And so she too broke into a run. She had always been a fast runner; she had to with three older brothers and one younger who would not wait for her ever, but she was wearing a dress and that was not particularly practical to follow the boy who had only just challenged her.

Seldo did not seem to be eager to outrun her though and he remained within her line of sight the entire time and even looked over his shoulder as if to ensure she was not too far behind. She followed fast as she could with the soft shoes, which would have been frustratingly slow if she had not been laughing all along. It was fun. Until she saw what was about to happen as Seldo glanced to her again not seeing the two people standing in the middle of the way. She stopped in her tracks bringing her hands on her mouth rendering her scream to warn him entirely useless.

As Seldo and the smaller of the men went down she found she could barely contain her giggles. It was not funny and yet it was so obvious that neither of them were hurt that she could not help herself as she walked up to them. Robin was on his feet fairly fast standing tall... well no not really. He was a hobbit after all, but one had to admit next to Eilathen everyone would look small, a hobbit even more so. Geli was standing close by, hands on her hips a smile creeping up on her face. One might have wondered whether the jester was torn between amusement and annoyance at not being the reason for the jovial humour around them. Even Eilathen's concerned face did not seem to prevent her from giggling; she could not be faulted though for Seldo's cheeks reddened with mortification as the elf extended his hand to help him up.

She hesitated... she did not want to shame Seldo more than he already was. So when he met her eyes she just shrugged with a smile as he did only moments before. Things like that happened... it was all right; and no one was hurt.

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?But because I knew youI have been changed for good.

It's funny how some distanceMakes everything seem smallAnd the fears that once controlled meCan't get to me at allIt's time to see what I can doTo test the limits and break throughNo right, no wrong, no rules for meI'm free

"Um, so. Why are you people going to Minas Tirith, if I may ask?" Lari questioned. Now they were only two. He and Fionavar. Laesha and Seldo were out of their sight now. And Fionavar was trying to get to know the new comer.

"of course, to the celebrations to be held there soon!" She replied."Celebrations? Of what?" He looked puzzled. And it was Fionavar's turn to get confused. "You haven't heard of the Party to be held for the centennial of the fall of Sauron?" Lari turned his head sideways. "It's already been a hundred years? Time has flown quicker than I have known in my absence it seems" He said softly, gazing towards the horizon."But how come you not know this? Every child from every village knows about it by now!""I have dwelt in the woods for quite a long time. Lost to some. Dead to others. Cut-off from the outside world. Barely a month it is since I have come out." He paused for a moment and sighed. "I am in exile."Fionavar grew silent. Thinking something. "No need to tell me about it if it brings only sadness to you." Lari looked up, surprised. There was something warm in her eyes, something convincing in her tone. " Sidhlarion, try to have fun. We are quite a cheerful troupe. Now you're with us." She smiled sweetly. Somehow, he felt at ease. Such ease he had felt only many years ago. In Greenwood. This was very awkward, he thought. Afterall, he had known this lady for only about half an hour or so. He had never felt attached to a stranger this quick. He wondered if it was because of his loneliness in the Wildwoods. Lari nodded at last, forcing a smile. "You can call me Lari if you wish. My friends of old gave that name to me.""Lari it is, then" Fionavar said. "That is a strange name for an Elf, even if it's a nick-name to be honest. ""Oh, I'm not an Elf! I am a half-elf. My mother was a human.""Then I will say, mae govannen Lari, the half-elf!"

They both walked along for some time. Suddenly he remembered about Haefa."I would have to bring my friend before we leave! How could I forget her?" He exclaimed and ran towards the direction of the stables. Fionavar, thinking that Lari would not be able to find them later, followed him. "You have a friend with you?" She asked, curious."I have. You'll see her soon." Lari grinned. Soon enough, they were standing inside the stables and Lari was talking to Haefa in some sort of Elvish."So this is your friend?" Fionavar laughed. "She's beautiful" She moved her fingers through the sleek black mane. Haefaniel stirred and caressed her forehead. "Ha! My pony is here as well. There she is." She went near a pony, a dirty sort of colour, and hugged her."This is Caloo. My pony-girl." patted Fiona.Lari, curious to see her, went near. And he did notice the mark of wisdom and age in those twinkling eyes. But to his great disappointment, for some reason Caloo would not let him touch her. "Uh, well she will grow to like you soon. Don't worry!" She kept petting her.

* * *

Lari and Fiona came out of the stables on their respective steeds. Haefa and Caloo had already taken a liking to each other.

"We must return to others I think, or we might get lost. It's time for us to move on." Fionavar said.

So they set out. And soon they managed to find out the rest of their troupe near the Town-square. Laesha, Seldo and a few others, unknown to Lari till now, were gathered around there.

Just then, Lari felt a tap on the shoulder. He turned to see a slender girl with dark flowing hair. "Excuse me," she said. "Did you buy that cloak here at the fair? Which booth? I've been looking all over for one with a hood, but they all are these fancy embroidered things. Gorgeous, of course - there was this blue one, with yellow flowers that I almost bought - but nothing warm at all."

Kitty was in a very surly place, born of confusion. Everything seemed to be in a turmoil in her head. The fact of what she was feeling at Gwinhir leaving was at the very heart of it all, but throwing in what the elf had said to her and the fact that she was regretting unfathomly telling Aramir anything of her life story to the point where she was now avoiding him totally was making her very surly indeed.Not to mention the fact that the likes of Fiona and Robin seemed to have a complete disregard for their own safety and continually invited people into the group, admittedly though Kitty herself was still probably the most dangerous of them all. Now to top everything off they run into a gypsy fair.‘Terrific’ Kitty muttered under her breath as she rolled her eyes at the look of pure glee on Fiona’s face.Once Aramir had decided to go and check it out it seemed to Kitty inevitable that they were going to visit the fair. This prompted a flash of anger in Kitty and she stepped up next to Fiona and muttered to her."We are getting no where fast, my friend, If you intend to stop at every bump in the road, maybe I should make my way forward without you lot. It would be easier. Besides, I think I have bigger fish to fry."Just then Robin had piped up “Your frying fish?”Kitty turned and scowled at him and stalked away just as Aramir returned.

So now they were at the fair, Kitty’s eyes darted everywhere looking for danger in the darkest corners as well as out in the light. Kitty hated fairs, lots of unsavoury people hung around fairs, and she hoped she didn’t bump into any that she knew or worse recognised her.

“I don't know about you, but I am finally ready for some relaxation and fun," Fionavar said, then spying the baths. "Yes, first a clean up."“Great idea” Kitty muttered and stepped through the canvas into the bath tent right behind Fiona. She couldn’t wait to get the dust and grime of the last few days travel off of herself, hoping it might wash away some of her troubling thoughts in the process.When Laesha hesitated Kitty quickly pushed her forward and elbowed past heading straight for the first bath. "Come on Laesha, what is the worst that can happen?" Kitty said already half stripped and leading the way unashamed.

Kitty lay in the bath with her eyes closed for all of 5 mins before reality crashed back. Her eyes flew open and she sprang out of the bath. Streaming water and walking naked through the tent Kitty grabbed a towel and quickly dried herself and dressed quickly, grabbing her wet hair up and plating it with skill. She then grabbed her cloak and headed out the door and stepped straight into the shadows.Kitty stayed in the shadows and watched and waited. She saw Aramir, and saw Fiona claim he was going to pay for her food. Kitty chuckled a bit at that, knowing how broke Aramir actually was. Kitty watched as Fiona sang and Geli performed and then Fiona lead Laesha off for more fair fun, while Geli grabbed Aramir by the arm and led him off shopping. Kitty had to stop herself from bursting out laughing at the look of indignity on his face. She decided to leave Aramir to his fate thinking he probably deserved it and followed Fiona. The girl was completely unaware of the stir she was causing around herself. Kitty was aware and stepped out of the shadows long enough for Fiona to see her and then slipped away again into the shadows, swiping a bottle of wine from a stall while she was at it.

Just as Kitty was starting to relax and look around she glanced over to the fire dancers and when she glanced back to where Laesha and Fiona were a moment before they were gone. Kitty cursed herself and started across the quad just as Seldo ran up to a tent with a strange man with a bow and entered it. Kitty walked faster, but not wanting to attract attention, she had definantly seen a few unsavoury people she recognised and did not want the favour returned. Just then Fiona, Laesha, Seldo and the bowman stepped back out of the tent. Kitty slowed and stalked them as they returned to the tent where all their gear was stored.Kitty watched, stepping once again into the shadows as she heard Fiona give Seldo his task."Seldo, why don't you round up Geli and Aramir. Robin and Kitty couldn't be too hard to find either. I think it is time for us to gather and head back to the road."‘At last’ Kitty thought to herself with a smile of relief as Seldo and Laesha ran off, running straight past her not seeing her.Kitty heard the conversation of Fiona and the bowman and rolled her eyes. ‘Not another travel companion’Kitty was just about to approach Fiona and have words when she suddenly heard a familiar voice behind her.‘Found you at last’ Daniel said laughing, sounding relieved.Kitty turned and gave him a snarl. “What do you want?”“Oh nothing really, just making sure you hadn’t run off” Daniel said jovially, but the smile on his face didn’t reach his eyes. Distracted by where Fiona had disappeared to this time Kitty failed to notice. Instead she just scowled deeper and stalked off in the general direction she saw Fiona headed moments earlier remembering the last encounter Fiona had in a stable didn’t end well.Daniel tagged along, munching annoyingly loud on an apple.

Kitty bumped into Fiona and the bowman returning from the stables on their ponies.“Kitty,Daniel, good to see you” Fiona waved joyfully. She dismounted and introduced the bowman to them. “This is Lari, he will be….”“…joining us” Kitty finished for Fiona. “Look Fiona, like I said before I think it may be time for us to part company, besides its not like I was planning on actually going to Minas Tirith anyway, so …” Kitty left it hanging.“Oh” Fiona said feeling a little crest fallen. “I didn’t realise you weren’t actually headed to Minas Tirith”“Actually she is, and she’s not going to leave our travelling party either” Daniel said from behind Kitty.Kitty scowled and turned round to face Daniel. “What!”Daniel grinned his most condescending grin, he had been looking forward to this moment. “Do you really think I was just travelling with this group out of convenience? No Kitty, my father ordered me to make sure you made it to Minas Tirith….in chains if necessary”Kitty looked at him with a look of surprise that turned to chagrin. She looked around at Fiona and the bowman who were both looking very uncomfortable with the turn of discussion, not really understanding what was going on. To make things worse Aramir and Geli had arrived too with Seldo and Laesha in tow. They had all heard Daniel’s statement.Daniel was standing braced with his hand on his sword when Kitty turned back to him, but what surprised them all was Kitty’s somewhat childish reaction.“I hate you!” Kitty screamed and stormed off towards the storage tent.“Well, that went better than expected” Daniel said relaxing his muscles.“Could you explain what you mean?” Fiona said bewildered.“Haha” Daniel laughed mirthlessly “Didn’t you all know, the esteemed Lady Katheryn Blackhart, Kitty as you all know her, has an appointment in Minas Tirith with the King himself, and no one or nothing is going to prevent that meeting from happening.”

Last edited by Tygarya on Tue Aug 20, 2013 2:45 am, edited 1 time in total.

Lari was extremely irritated at this young girl, asking about clothes and dresses. Did he looks like some sort of tailor? Or a clothes-dealer? But all these thoughts were perfectly veiled by Lari's unchanged dark doe-shaped eyes, and his lips became stiff as soon as he tried to say something. And to add to his sorry state, this young girl went on babbling about more dresses and colors and feathers.The others were busy talking to each other by then. Except for this woman called Katherine, who seemed to be frustrated at something and a few frequent suspicious glances towards him.All in all, he seemed to be drifting away from this band of travellers he thought he had joined.

Finally, not unable to tolerate this persuasive girl he finally gave in. "Listen Lady. These clothes are a tribute from the kingdom I come from. And so, it's not to be found anywhere here, there or any other where. Alright?"

And he instantly shrugged off.

That was rude! That was surely very rude! Curse yourself!

The girl looked upset, but her voice still had the same tone."Um, I guess being a boy doesn't make you care for clothes much. Golly, I wanted that hood so bad!"

"Hey, girl. You look sad. Did Lari do something?" Came a smiling response from Fiona.

A face splitting yawn hit Fionavar causing her eyes to water. I think it is time to get everyone together. The rides, wine, singing, demonstrations, bubbly pies and bath seem to have made their way to my head. She looked at Kitty very closely. Or maybe she ought to call her Katherine now? The tent flap closed with a poof of dirt as she disappeared.

"Hey, what is going on? I think you have a bit more explaining to do, Daniel. Maybe you ought to start with Kitty? I have a feeling she isn't going to be on talking terms with anyone at this point and we need to gather and get to the road to find shelter for the night." Fionavar pointed and pushed Daniel in the right direction. She then took in Geli, Aramir, Laesha, Seldo and the new female standing close.

"Hello friend," she offered an honest smile, "don't be too upset with Lari, it is his way. Are you headed to Gondor, for the celebration?" She was beginning to wonder why she always said that with an air of doesn't everyone know this. She was surprised to learn that obviously everyone did not. Aramir pushed forward and faced the small group.

"Time to move on, before we have angry stallsmen and vendors pursuing every step of our way to Gondor." Putting words to action, he lead the group out of the fair and to where Robin, Gwaeryn and Eilathen were waiting in a clearing. Sidhlarion was stroking the head of his horse, Haefaniel not too far away. As they were checking supplies and packs, Kitty arrived storming like an angry cloud through and beyond the travelers. "Let her go for now. I am sure she will talk in time." Aramir mounted and began slowly setting a pace towards the setting sun.

Laesha came up behind Fionavar. "Did you know about Kitty? She doesn't seem too happy." Her forehead furled and eyes showed worry.

"I did not. To be quite honest, I am stunned at this information." Caloo head butted her forward. "I am going, already." She saw that Seldo and Geli were following but the long brown haired female who had come out of the fair with them, stood to the side, not moving.

Before she could move to encourage the girl, Sidhlarion slowly approached her.

Best to leave them to it.

Geli strode purposefully forward now, reaching Aramir in no time. The words they shared were not audible, but not long after - whatever it was had Geli laughing and Aramir looking more grumpy than ever, if that were possible.

And now another part of our journey begins, Fionavar mused. With a huge sigh and not a small headache, she pushed on with the others with myriad questions rolling about her head.

The girl turned towards Lari. "Oh I didn't see it that way.""No. As I said, this cloth you are asking about cannot be found here. And then I don't know much about clothes in honesty. So I felt a bit embarassed on that. This is a special textile made only in my homeland. No where else in the entire Middle-earth. And ..."

Lari's mind drifted off to another time. To another place. A time when he used to live with his family. The gray memories, the giggling young boys, the tree-climbing contests, his father ...

The images whirled past his eyes, and on a sudden impulse a tear managed to get past the eyes of the half-elf. That one thing had always been the frailty in this new life he enjoyed. His real home.

"KABOOM!" shouted the girl close to his ears. And completely shocked by it, Lari fell back in the grass. The girl burst out laughing uncontrollably to his utmost chagrin.

FRIGHTENED!!!! Lari's inner voice roared. Frightened? Now that's it! Who on earth does she think she is? I can't tolerate this girl anymore! I just have to walk off.

His body was still aflame with pride, when he got up on his legs. He brushed off the dirt from his shirt and cloak."Have a good evening, Lady" He tried to bow courteously but it ended just as a stiff nod. And he turned away.

"Oh hey! Wait mister. I wasn't making fun of you! Not at all! It's only. You just froze when you were speaking. I actually believed you were day-dreaming. I have heard a few peculiar things about Elves. I had absolutely no notion that you'll be so frightened by my outburst."

Lari turned. " I advise you to refrain from saying that Lady. I was NOT frightened."

The girl stood there, taken aback. Then she thought for a moment. "Hmmm. Fine! I won't say you were frightened. Alright?"

"That'd be better."

" Then ... how about petrified? Terrified? Ooh! Horrified?" And then she burst into another set of giggles.Suddenly, Haefa made an odd noise, which Lari definitely knew was the equus-equivalent of a chuckle.

"YOU TOO HAEFA?" Burst out Lari, unable to maintain his poise anymore."Fine! I'll go by foot. You may go to wherever you can go to! Adh i erin!" He picked up his bow, which had fallen from the ground and strode forward.

Instantly Haefa caught up with him and started protesting loudly. She then snuggled her nose on his cheek. And like magic, the heat almost left Lari, gradually. "Alrigh, girlie. You can come with me!" He caressed her.

"Great! I was just asking that!" The girl jumped in.

"Ah! Not you! That was for my dear Haefa."

"Can't I come? That lady-friend of yours seemed so much nicer than you. And mentioned Minas-Tirith. Well, I am on my way to that city too. Can I come?"

"If it were up to me, I would have certainly said no. But unfortunately, it's not upto me.Fiona and others ... "

"Take me to them"

"what?"

"Please? A request?"

Lari was still against this strange girl joining the troupe, but he was always poor at shrugging off people's requests. He tried to refuese. But those words just couldn't come out! With an effort he said:

"Alright. But I won't drop you back here, if you're refused."

"I accept. My name is Vanyaire."

" I didn't ask."

"And I heard her say, you're Lari?"

"I don't know ... "

So it was, with Lari in the front and the girl at the back Haefa took off for their companions. And Lari never noticed, how unlikely easy-going he had been in this first-talk with this girl he had just met.

The travelers were gathering, ready for the next leg of the journey. The fair had been a delightful diversion for them, but now was the time to go.

"I have been flying over the area, and looking far and wide." said Gwaeryn. "You will have an uneventful journey until you reach the Gap of Rohan. Methedras, the Last Mountain is already in the distance to the south and east, and in its shadow is Isengard with the tower of Orthanc, and you will find it lush and green, totally unlike the way when Saruman dwelt there. Fangorn Forest is neaby, and unless fates are different, you might see Treebeard and his kin. It is rumored that Radagast has taken up his dwelling in the forest there."

"I can hardly wait." said Robin. "So the roads are empty?"

"I didn't say that." said Gwaeryn. "But there are the usual travelers going back and forth, nothing to notice."

"Well, I'm ready." said Robin, slinging his pack on his back and getting on Gwaeryn.

Aramir led the group away from the cheerful tents and boisterous merriment as Gwaeryn soared into the skies, Robin perched securely on his back. He was quite certain that, contrary to what he had just told Fiona, Kitty would not "talk in time" -- certainly not to the group, and perhaps not even to him. After her uncharacteristic bout of openness she had been studiously avoiding him, and Aramir sensed that she regretted ever having met him, let alone having told him her life story. And he certainly had no plans to ask her about her royal appointment, especially since he wouldn't be around to see how it played itself out. He stroked Narmo's mane, vaguely aware that between the newly-clothed travelling companions, singing travelling companions, new travelling companions, irate travelling companions, obstreperous travelling companions, and heavily-perfumed travelling companions, there was really no room in the party for grief or nostalgia. Plenty of time for that between here and Gondor, anyway.

A few hundred paces down the road he turned to make sure everyone, old and new, was accounted for, but discovered quickly that they had accumulated so many new people of late that he really had no idea who was supposed to be there and who just happened to have lost their map. Everyone he knew was there, even Kitty, who slunk along at the back and scowled at her horse's withers while Daniel smirked from a distance. Just in front of them was a man he did not recognize, clad in travelling clothes and carrying a bow, who looked somewhat bemused, as though he were not quite sure how he had ended up in the midst of all these strange people.

Aramir knew the feeling, and when the man raised his eyes Aramir offered him a sympathetic welcoming grin. Best to do some friendly reconnaissance now, before he bedded down for the evening alongside a pack of strangers he knew nothing about. Kitty would knife him if he said the wrong thing, but while this newcomer didn't look like the knifing sort, it was better to be sure. Drawing on Narmo's reins he slowed the horse's pace until he was even with the man, then offered him a hand as they rode side by side.

"I'm Aramir."

"Sidhlarion Valenar," came the reply, a bit stiff but not unfriendly or menacing.

"Welcome to the madness," Aramir continued, drawing a wide arc with his hand to indicate the general chaos that was their party. "I'd introduce you to everyone, but to be honest I'm not sure I know all their names yet. We accumulate travelling companions the way hobbits amass food."

"I heard that!" Robin's voice drifted down from above.

"Won't deny it, though," Aramir muttered under his breath. Sidhlarion smiled. "So what brought you to the fair?"

The man shrugged. "Nothing specific. Came for the food, stayed for the archery, you might say."

Aramir perked up, interested, especially because the man now looked flustered, as though he wished he hadn't said anything. "Did you participate in the tournament? I saw the signs but then got dragged shopping instead. Shame, too -- we all could have used the money to pay for.... well, never mind." No way he was going to tell a man he hardly knew what Fiona and Geli had put him through.

"I did." He paused for a moment, twisted his mare's mane between his fingers, and then said, "Hit the bird's eye dead centre."

Impressive, Aramir thought. And potentially dangerous. Duly noted for future reference. But "Excellent, you can help me with the hunting!" was what he said instead. "I used to go with Brill, but since he..." he trailed off, face flushed, and glanced quickly around for Fiona. It was with great relief that he saw her walking at a distance, oblivious to what he had said as she chatted chatting with Laesha and yet another new companion who had joined the group along with Sidhlarion. "...since he left, it's just been me," he finished, more cautiously, just in case. No sense in spoiling the evening's cheer.

Last edited by ^Aramir^ on Thu Aug 08, 2013 4:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.

“Amazing! Twenty-two and a half hands high...” Falastor continued to scribble in earnest on the first piece of parchment he’d managed to extract from his bag.

“Old nag could plough a field by herself in half the time it took any-a those other teams to do it. Course, she left hoofprints the size of shields, ha!” Falastor’s companion slapped his hand down on the bar so hard it sent his ink bottle into a dramatic nosedive which ended in a spectacularly-choreographed landing in the middle of his bag.

Falastor leapt to his feet. “AUGH! Oh no, oh no, oh no, not the maps, anything but the maps...”

“Er, sorry about that, sir,” the storyteller rumbled. “Guess I got me some rather large hooves here, too, eh?”

But hooves and twenty-two hand-high mares were forgotten. Falastor dumped the contents of his sac onto the floor, spilled ink and all, and tried frantically to move everything as far from the menacing black pool of permanent oblivion as possible. To his great relief, the leather bag itself seemed to have swallowed the worst of it, though of course that meant he wouldn't be able to go anywhere until it was clean and dry, or worse, replaced. Oh dear, if he had to replace this sac he'd have to invent an entirely new packing system, and that could take months.

No, on second thought, the bag looked in far better shape than he'd imagined at first. Yes, some cleaning and it would be perfectly usable again.

“Can I help?”

“Oh, no, it’s quite all right, all arranged according to a very specific system, you see. It took me years to perfect, actually. You put the parchment in this compartment and you run the risk of, well, spilling ink on it, ironically. But you put it in that compartment and the compass might tear holes in it. And of course the alidade has to go here, there’s really nowhere else for it to go, you know? But!” He raised a finger triumphantly and the tall, lean farmer nearly toppled backwards in surprise. “If you put most of the parchment here...” he waved his hand at the largest, inkiest section, completely unaware of the look he was receiving, “...and the remainder here, then the ink can safely rest like this, you see, and everything is separated neatly but it’s also not too bulky. I remember when I first started travelling regularly, I... erm, that is...” Finally he had caught the man’s expression. “I’ve got it under control. Thank you for the offer, though.”

“Eh, right. Sorry again about spilling your ink.” His tone suggested he was rather more sorry that he’d offered his help cleaning it up.

“Oh, it’s quite all right, the bag'll take a bit of cleaning, I’m afraid, but now that I look I think it's salvageable, thank goodness. And it seems that only this parchment here was seriously ruined. What was on this, anyhow?” He squinted at it a moment, trying to remember when he’d used this particular piece of parchment. Reddish hue, bit rough, not worth what he’d paid for it...

“Oh! Oh no, this was the story about the three-headed dog back in Alswith! Perhaps if I recopy it down right now I’ll remember the basics, at least... Oh, blasting powder, where did I put my stylus?”

“Three-headed dog?” As much as he regretted his interest, the farmer couldn’t turn away from a tale that would rival his twenty-two hand mare story, but Falastor was completely absorbed now in trying to recall the details.

“Full moon, wasn’t it? ...six, no, seven miles.....something about the teeth....Oh, pah! At least I got the coordinates, I can always go back...”

Brill? Who's Brill? Hmm, seems like a sensitive issue. Perhaps I should avoid this. He looked back towards Fiona when he mentioned him. I better not upset this band

"Hey, I would like to hunt for the group. With you. That at least would make me feel slightly more than a baggage!"

"Not to worry about that." Aramir winked. "However, hitting a stationed lifeless bird in the eye. That's not very uncommon you know." Aramir said hafl-teasingly.Lari turned towards him, and smiled. A genuine one. He picked up his bow from Haefa's back and aimed an arrow at the trees they were passing by. Whoooshh! Went the arrow into the canopy, and to Aramir's amusement, a Morang fruit dropped on his lap.

Aramir's first look was that of surprise and then of alarm. But soon they had a glint of mischief in them, as Aramir siad "We might find more than one use for you, I think. Do you always hunt with a bow?"

"Always" Lari said. "I believe, it's a less cruel way to kill I think. My Mithril-sword, crafted by the Dwarven-smiths of the Glittering Caves you know, is for my foes. And foes alone."Lari was really beginning to like this person, Aramir. He was very friendly, and seemed like a kind and thoughtful person. And his face had the mark of honesty imprinted on it.Don't judge a man by his outer-make, Lari! Don't judge them like that!

"A Mithril-Sword?" Aramir's eyes widened. "That's special."

"It is. A family heirloom. One of the tokens gifted to my fathers for their alliance during the dark years."

" I have never seen a Mithril-sword! Do you mind letting me a glimpse of it when we rest? Just curious. I won't touch it!"

Lari's heart sank. And he immediately cursed himself for having mentioned the thing. He always kept the sword concealed, unless during attacks or an ambush. Besides his family, very few people had seen Thrond in it's full gleam. Lari hated refusing requests. He always had the notion that refusals tend to disrupt friendships.But this was Thrond. An heirloom connected to him both physically and psychologically. Like Haefa. Mind and body, heart and soul. He can't let someone he'd just met see it, even though he was enjoying the company very much.

"I'm ... I'm very sorry. But I can't let anybody see my sowrd." He appeared regretful and sad. " It is special, you see. I hope you don't mind. Outside my kindred no one is allowed to see it except when truly needed. Not even my closest friends."Well, Lari never had a close friend. Close 'human' friend, that is. Having spent a while now in the deepest of forests, all the creatures he encountered, he loved.

"I see. Well I won't force you on that now, would I?" Grinned Aramir.

Hmmm? Didn't that look more like a forced smile? And why shouldn't it be so? I turned him down afterall. But we're going to be travelling companions, and may even become more than that! Oh no, I hope he doesn't dislike me now.

The two rode on for sometime, but none of them spoke. The silence was very awkward for Lari, who's belief strengthened by minute that he had yet again turned-off another potential friend.

I have to make a talk. What should I say? Uh .... How are you? D'uh, silly. Um, are you going to Minas Tirith? Of course, ninny-hammer. Are you a man? Hmmm, he does seems a bit odd in comparison to others, but he's a man nontheless....

After minutes of brain-storming he finally managed to break the moment of silence."Tell me about you then, Aramir. Where do you come from? If you don't mind?" He asked politely.

“Hey, what is going on? I think you have a bit more explaining to do, Daniel.” Fiona asked after Kitty’s departure.The smile slipped from Daniel’s face and he become serious, actually managing to look like the officer he was. He scratched the back of his neck uncomfortably though as he replied.“Well, the rest is kind of classified.” Aramir stifled a laugh, “You mean you don’t know”“Do you?” Daniel said back, stepping up slightly before Fiona interrupted.“Maybe you ought to start with Kitty? I have a feeling she isn't going to be on talking terms with anyone at this point and we need to gather and get to the road to find shelter for the night." Fionavar pointed and pushed Daniel in the right direction. She then took in Geli, Aramir, Laesha, Seldo and the new female standing close.At the same time Aramir was heard to mutter “Clearly I know more than you”This made Daniel’s hackles rise but he was already being pushed forward by Fiona.As Kitty made a reappearance shoving past the others with her pack and saddling her horse Aramir was the voice of calm and reason."Let her go for now. I am sure she will talk in time."Daniel scowled again and made a mental note that next time he was in a town he was going to have a background check done on this Aramir.Daniel didn’t like the fact that Aramir knew more than him about Kitty and his mission to get her to Minas Tirith, in truth he knew near to nothing. All his father had told him was that Kitty, Lady Katheryn Blackhart, had through tragedy just inherited a fortune and that he was to make sure she reached Minas Tirith to meet with King Esselar. The fact that Aramir had been there also doubly annoyed him, obviously an ex-military man, but what was his secret and what was the connection between him and Kitty that he had been by her side when she had met with his father Lord Lamis? Considering he had seen very little contact between the two of them since.Daniel was sure his father had given him this quest and pointedly told him that Kitty was in fact a Lady and wealthy to push him towards her. He wasn’t complaining in the fact that she was very striking to look at, but the attitude was definitely not what he was used to dealing with and he wondered if all the wealth in the world was worth having his throat slit for. Kitty was not the usual maiden that he went for, in fact he already knew of her reputation and had seen her wanted posters. Daniel shuddered at the thought of being married to such a woman and cursed his father – not for the first time in his life. One thing he was glad about was that Gwinhir had gone. “One down, one to go” he thought to himself as he jumped up onto his horse and followed the others out.He decided to stick close to Kitty on the journey, but he knew it was going to be a fairly quiet one. One thing he was suspicious of was that it seemed that Kitty was not drinking. This was an enigma to him, and he couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps it was a sign of something bad about to happen. He pondered this situation most of the trip.He noticed Aramir glance round to check heads and made sure to give him a huge smile.Once they had stopped for the night and were setting up camp Daniel decided to approach Fiona as she seemed to be the centre of this company of travellers, if not the leader, they all seemed to gravitate around her.“Miss Fiona, a moment please” Daniel said with all his manners in place and a small polite bow of the head and shoulders.“Certainly Daniel, what can I do for you?” Fiona asked slightly bashful. Daniel lifted his head and gave her a beaming smile that won many hearts and saw her dutifully blush in response.“I wish to pass by you my thoughts, my Lady, I feel it maybe portent for me to gather a couple of soldiers to accompany us the rest of the way to Minas Tirith.”Fiona looked shocked. “Is this about Kitty? Surely you don’t have to go that far? She seems mad but she has made no attempt to leave us.”“As yet” Daniel added. “It would be regrettable my Lady…”“Fiona, please”…Fiona” Daniel corrected with another beaming smile. “Which is why I come to you, perhaps you could talk to her and well….”“I’m not sure what I could do” Fiona said puzzled and in thought. “But I will try if it means no soldiers and definitely no chains”Daniel beamed again and taking Fiona’s hand kissed it lightly before turning and sauntering off, double checking on Kitty as he passed.

Last edited by Tygarya on Tue Aug 20, 2013 2:48 am, edited 1 time in total.

Kitty was in shock. She felt trapped and that brought back extremely nasty memories for her which she fought on a daily basis to prevent them from smothering her as it was. To make matters worse as she stormed off from Daniel she heard him telling the others who she was.Who she was! Who was she, Kitty didn’t know who Katheryn Blackhart was?

As soon as she was out of sight and in the tent she started kicking and punching anything she could reach, poor flour bags and crates of food and supplies were beaten senseless until Kitty punched a particularly hard duffel bag, which was Daniel’s shield. Kitty stifled a cry of pain as she looked at her hand.‘Damn it!’ She muttered as she shook it, sending flames of pain up her arm making her grit her teeth. ‘Damn, damn, damn!’ She cursed more loudly then grabbed her bags and slinging them over her shoulder with a grimace she stalked back out of the tent and pushed passed the others heading for the stables. Kitty kept her head down not wanting to make eye contact with anyone, but heard Ar.

Kitty waited until everyone was packed up and heading out onto the road until she finally mounted her horse and followed, still with her head down and hood up, more to avoid Daniel’s eye than everyone else now, knowing he would keep close to her… his captive. She knew he was serious about the chains, she had met his father and knew what powerful connections he had. She knew there was nowhere in Middle Earth she could hide. She was going to Minas Tirith….but she would go on her terms, not in chains, she would die fighting before anyone put her in chains again.

Kitty’s thoughts were interrupted by a throbbing in her hand, she pulled it out of the folds of her cloak briefly to look at it and saw the puffiness of the swelling and the darkening of bruising on her knuckles, she balled and flexed her hand and grimaced again before hiding it away. It wasn’t broken she didn’t think, but it was at the least very badly bruised. This put her at a distinct disadvantage, it was her favoured hand, which meant she was down to her left, weaker, hand to defend herself with. She could still throw a dagger and swing her short sword with her left, she just couldn’t rely on the hundred percent accuracy of her right and this she didn’t like. Which meant she needed her wits about her, so no drinking for a while. Kitty worried though what demons would come of not being stupefied by drink.

As they made camp Kitty made herself a bed away from the fire and wrapped her cloak around herself pulling the hood down well over her face, sitting on her bed roll with her knees pulled up she just stared at the ground in front of her. Listening to everything she was more acutely aware of everything that was happening around her this way, plus she couldn’t bear to see the faces looking and the whispers shared over her new identity. Her thoughts turned, not for the first time that day, of killing Daniel. How satisfying it would be to sink a dagger between his ribs and watch the spark of life go out of his eyes.

Kitty’s thoughts were interrupted suddenly by a pair of feet standing directly in front of her and a polite little cough sounding out. Kitty sighed, at least it wasn’t Daniel she thought to herself then lifted her head and with her left hand pulled her hood back off her face to look up at the girl in front of her.Kitty smiled a warm genuine smile at Fiona who was standing there holding a plate of food for Kitty. Fiona, with much relief Kitty could see, smiled back and sat down next to Kitty handing her the bowl of food.“I thought you might like something to eat” she said as she waited for Kitty to take it from her. Kitty took it with her left hand and placed it on the ground.“Thanks, maybe later” Kitty answered quietly.“It’s much easier to think with a full stomach” Fiona said then trying to think of things to say“Who says I want to think, forget sounds like a much better option”“Ah” Fiona didn’t know what to say or do next. Then she looked at the long plait of Kitty’s rich burgundy red hair that had fallen over Kitty’s right shoulder and without thinking she reached out and touched it.“Your hair is such a beautiful colour” Fiona said as she reached out.Then she gasped as Kitty’s hand whipped out and grabbed her wrist, then just as quickly Kitty let go as she had grabbed Fiona’s wrist reflexively with her right hand. Kitty gritted her teeth with a snarl of pain as she held her hand. Everyone in the camp heard it….

Last edited by Tygarya on Tue Aug 20, 2013 2:51 am, edited 1 time in total.

It was too late, Fionavar had already seen the swelling and bruising on Kitty's right hand. "It is no good trying to hide it, Kitty," Fionavar continued as if nothing had happened. "Eat some food with your left and let me attend to the right." She gently pushed Kitty back against some packs. The stew was hearty, Robin could make a great and rich stew. One bite and Kitty was reluctantly eating with a grimace on her face.

Fionavar probed the hand with wincing and a few growls from Kitty. "It isn't broken, but it is badly bruised and you shouldn't use that hand for at least a few weeks." Before Kitty could complain back, "yes, I know. It will only take the longer to heal if you don't bind it now, save the complaints for later. I will be right back."

Caloo stood close by and it wasn't long before Fionavar had gathered the necessary cloth and herbs to do the job rightly. Returning to the tent, she stepped aside with just enough time to watch the now empty plate come hurtling out the tent flap. "I guess that means you liked it then?" Fionavar smirked. "More? I could always have Aramir ......"

"Not him. Not anyone." Kitty's eyes smouldered. "You, I will suffer - for a short time only."

Fionavar nodded as if Kitty had uttered some very wise words. "I see, a short time only. Let us make the highest and best use of that time, shall we?" She extended her hand towards Kitty, like one would approach an unknown animal. Patiently she waited for Kitty to reluctantly surrender the injured hand. Pulling back the tent flap to allow more light in the tent, showed the group of people all standing nearby. With a huff, "Aramir? Get these friends doing some other more profitable labor, please? There is nothing to see here for the moment."

At the word profitable, Aramir's face lit briefly, but he understood Fionavar very well. "Okay, let's start to organize the camp for the night. Give the *girls* a chance to get caught up," as he rolled his eyes.

Kitty made ready to jump up at Aramir's last statement, but was held back with a bit of pressure on the right hand. "That isn't fair, you know," she grumbled and sat back down.

"Fair is as fair does, my friend. Aramir knows what he is about and it is best not to have too many noses sniffing around right now. I have brought some ground wet willow bark. I have to put a coating on your hand, be brave and think of something pleasant." Fionavar grinned sarcastically. Kitty fumed.

The softened medicants were spread and a firm wrap of the hand completed. Fionavar stood with her hands on her hips. "That will do for now. I would prefer to have some mint and yellow sac, we should be able to find it on our journey. Now, drink this." She put a pinch of something in the water cup and handed it over. Kitty turned her nose up and face away. "If you want to get rid of me, you drink this," she once again held out the cup.

Rolling her eyes, Kitty took the cup and gulped it down in three swallows. Gagging. "What are you trying to do, Fiona? Kill me? That tastes vile," coughing and sputtering.

"It is supposed to taste vile," she countered. "If medicines tasted great we would never want to stop taking them and right now, you need to get that hand useful again." Sitting crossed legged in front of Kitty, "Okay, now you are going to tell me what this is all about."

As the potion started to take affect, Kitty seemed a bit lost, but soon found words. "I wish I could say, I just know that at this moment I would like to make Daniel about a foot shorter and get back to the life that I know. Can't we talk in the morning, I need to think." She laid her head back on one of the softer packs.

"Indeed, all things can wait. But before I go, just who is this Daniel anyway, he seems a puffed up peacock to me and though I don't have skills like you or Aramir, I will take his hand off with my cooking knife the next time he dares to kiss it again." She exited the tent and pulled the flap firmly.

"My haven't we become brave," Kitty whispered.

For some reason, the last words of Fionavar made Kitty softly laugh. At least she knew she had a friend in Fionavar.

Clouds passed by the moon in the starry-sky. The cold night-breeze sent his teeth chattering like a lunatic. He pulled his cloak closer to himself and pulled over his hood. From a distant part of the forest, came the sound of a few night birds. Very pleasing to the ears. As he gradually mingled with this pleasant atmosphere of the night, the images of the evening fleeted in front of his eyes.

The company had camped in a forest for the night. And he was in a sore mood from the start. Of all things, he felt completely alienated from his companions. The talk with Aramir hadn’t lasted long. After he tried questioning Aramir about his more personal belongings, he seemed to be very uneasy and tried to avoid it. Not much later it just died down. Everyone else was busy with themselves and their friends, as Lari noticed with envious eyes. Fiona, who he thought was the friendliest of the lot, also seemed not to be noticing him. She had been busy with that lady Katherine, who seemed to be very upset about something he couldn’t understand. And also there was that troublesome girl he had brought to them, who Fiona was chatting with this afternoon.Why, oh why was she accompanying them? Does this group act as an organization to reach out to stranded travelers?

He heard them making preparations for the night-camp.Not that he cared anyway. None of them had expressed any interest in him, except perhaps Aramir. Who , for sure, would want to be distanced from him by now. So why should he be the one to always be friendly and show interest? He was on his way to Minas Tirith and was simply with them because of his shortage of silver.

Then they had some rabbit-stew for dinner, conies they had just hunted down in the evening. It admittedly was very delicious.

I wonder who does the cooking here?

After he had finished he had headed for the spot where their steeds had been kept. He spent a good long while with Haefa, the company he desired the most anytime. After bidding her a goodnight he swung his bag on his shoulder and swiftly climbed up to the top of one of the tall trees that surrounded them. And here he was now, on a long branch high above the ground. Finally enjoying the privacy.

Aah! Peace! No one knows I’m here. Atleast, I hope no one knows.

But "peace' was not to last long. As he tried to submerge with the more delicate surroundings around him, yet again unwanted memories began haunting him. Painful. Cruel. Hurting. He did not want them. He never wanted them. And time and again he had wished to remove them from the obsolete corner of the mind they hid in. But to no avail.He didn't know how long he sat there. But gradually he passed into a subconciousness he never understood later. And he began humming a tune. A soft voice, which led him to years past in his life. And he did not take any notice when the humming soon broke into a song.

Beneath the green falling leavesCovered by the shadows of mighty treesAnd wind as blew upon my faceWith a soft whisper, a single caressI wondered if this is the world, the whole of it?

As the days went by, in the peace of nightBeyond a shadow, beyond a frightFlying birds, soaring highI knew this is the world I want to know.

When buds and petals opened slight,When Spring arrived and Winter died,This life bequeathed to me, by father mine.Whether morn’s glory or silver skyDanced and laughed and sang and cried.For here I will stay forever, thought I.

Alas! Oh great Greenwood, my!That joy didn’t last forever, why?The World I had, The World I knew.Was never meant for me, they lied.I cried. I cried. That night I cried!And I have, for you, since every night.

Yet hope I have to return somedayTo see you, if not for revenge on them.Seen a great deal of the world outside,It is not as bad as I thought it might.A strange sensation, a confusing mood.When I walk through an unseen wood.Graceful peaks. Slender brooks.Much to see, much to brood.But none compare to glory thine.The green, the life, the silver shine.Whence the Valar light the sky.

Tying the tent flaps, Fionavar walked into the dusk smelling the aroma of the rich stew that Robin had prepared. The firelight showed most of the travelers comfortable, talking amongst themselves. Aramir was the first to look questioningly for answers.

Shrugging, "I would give her until the morning. She has injured her hand a bit, but nothing broken." That was all that was going to be given for now, anything more would be to break a trust with Kitty. "Robin, how about some of that delicious smelling stew?" The ever pleasant Hobbit dished up a plate with a chunk of bread and passed it around to Fionavar. Savoring the first bite, she didn't stop until she was mopping up the last of the gravy with her bread. A thought materialized at that point.

"Hey, Aramir," she said smirking. "Number one, since when have we been girls in our little group here and number two you leave Kitty alone for now." She waggled a finger in his direction.

Aramir made a 'who me?' gesture and found something very interesting about the campfire to look at. Considering the days events, they had all made out fairly well. New clothing, a new adventure and new companions to pass the time on the road to Gondor with. The new companions part found her looking around for same said people. She watched the half elf, Lari climb up a tree like he had done it a thousand times before. The young female was still keeping to herself, but Fionavar could see there was a cloud of questions under her complexion.

"Robin? How about some music. I haven't heard you sing in a long while." Before Robin could reply they could hear some singing coming from the tree. That was just enough distraction to cause everyone to get ready for the night. As usual, Fionavar rolled out her bedding right where Caloo was tethered. The pony nuzzled her shoulder hoping for treats. "Not tonight my friend, in the morning I will see if I can scout you up some sweet fruits." Caloo looked a bit offended and then was distracted by a noise in the forest. If there were any real danger, Fionavar would know about it from Caloo first. She could lie down peacefully.

As she drifted off, she noted that Geli and Aramir had their heads together. Seldo was hunched up against a tree trunk and Laesha was talking softly with the large Elf. Robin was off with Gwaeryn and as usual there was no sight of Daniel. Tomorrow would be soon enough for making plans and getting to know the strangers to their group. If I am lucky, Robin will have a hot breakfast greeting me in the morning, Fionavar let sleep take her on that thought.